Argumentative Claims

The writer's position on an issue

• claim

• counterclaim

• rebuttel

• thesis

Any information that helps prove a claim.

• evidence

• argument

• counterclaim

• thesis

Facts, quotations, examples, anecdotes, and statistics can all be used as _______________.

• evidence

• claims

• arguments

• counterclaims

What is the purpose of an argument?

• TO EXPLAIN
• TO PERSUADE
• TO ENTERTAIN
• TO INFORM

The author's purpose is to convince us that the ________________ is true.

• evidence

• claim

• counterclaim

• clues

Claim: All high schools students should be required to take a foreign language to make them more competitive. 

Which piece of evidence BEST supports the claim above?

• You will learn another language. 
• Learning another foreign language is a waste of time.
• There is little evidence that many students achieve much fluencey in high school. 
• Learning another language improves students' vocabulary and grammar skills. 

According to the American Health Association, peanut butter is a great source of protein.

• Claim
• Evidence

What is the author's argument or claim? 

• Hip-hop should be taught as literature.
• Hip-Hop is a form of poetry.
• Hip-Hop is not appropriate in the classroom. 
• None of these

Read the claim and the supporting evidence.Claim: Spaying and neutering is the appropriate thing for pet owners to do.Evidence: Spayed and neutered pets don't produce offspring that may end up in shelters or become strays.Why does the evidence support the claim? Choose the analysis that better explains the connection.

• Pet  owners have a responsibility not to burden shelters or the community at large.
• On average, spayed and neutered pets live longer, healthier lives.

Which of the following is NOT a Claim?

• California is the best state in the USA.

• Twinkies taste better than other snack foods.

• The school year began on August 18 and will end on May 31.

• Thanksgiving is the best holiday of the year.